IAS Immigration » News » Associate EU Citizenship Could Be An Option for British Citizens After Brexit

Enquire now Speak directly to a lawyer

Associate EU Citizenship Could Be An Option for British Citizens After Brexit

An MEP has proposed offering British citizens “associate EU citizenship”, even if Theresa May’s government chooses to block the move. The proposed “associate EU citizen” status would allow British citizens who opt in to the system freedom to live and work throughout Europe. Since 48% of those who voted in the EU referendum were in favour of remaining in Europe, this is likely to be a popular prospect with many.

Charles Goerens, MEP for Luxemburg has stated that this optional EU citizenship should be made available to British citizens, “even if the British Government vetoes the plan during negotiations”. The proposed citizenship status would allow British nationals to travel, live and work freely throughout Europe as they are able to now, while retaining their British passport. It would also allow those citizens who opt in to vote at European parliament.

This would offer some relief to Britons already settled in Europe, and those who fear the UK is distancing itself from European nations with the Brexit move. With trade deals with Australia and the United States on the horizon, those settled in Europe worry that their position will be compromised if their host country is at the bottom of the list.

There have been criticisms that the move could lead to a division between British citizens, which would be divisive and not in line with British values outside of the EU. However, supporters have been vocal in voicing their approval for such a system which would be voluntary and would not impede on any British laws. According to Goerens, there would be no expectation of a reciprocal deal for EU citizens hoping to live in the UK, so there would be no reason for May to veto the move.

Lib Dem MEP Catherine Bearder said: “The option of being able to retain EU citizenship offers a glimmer of hope for the millions of British people devastated by the referendum result. The fact this proposal is going ahead shows there remains a huge amount of goodwill towards Britain.”

Useful Links

Customer Reviews

What our clients say about us

4.65 Average

259 Reviews

Algert

Saimah was very helpful, and i know we would never of received the visa without all of her help and support
we were delighted when the visa arrived, we will be using IAS for all of the visa's we need
the company is very professional and the best around, highly recommend them

Posted 2 months ago

Anonymous

Superb service - Natalie Dolan is a legend!

Posted 5 months ago

Ralph M

From the very first contact, the advice given was helpful and the ensuing meetings were prompt and professionally carried out by our advisor Miss Kirsty Hindes. She was working under a tight time frame yet managed to get everything done within that frame. We are very grateful for her support and will be using her again I hope when the next application time comes round in 30 months time.

Posted 5 months ago

Mark

Thanks for helping me sort my wife's Spouse Visa. You made the process very stress free and always found the time to answer my emails & phone calls. I will be using IAS again when I have to reapply in a couple of years time.

Posted 5 months ago

Anonymous

Answered all my questions promptly and I'm going to attempt applying for the Visa myself. I'll definitely use IAS if I get stuck.

Posted 5 months ago

Senad

IAS, with their dedicated team of lawyers and counselors, managed to help me join my partner in UK. I had no experience, noone to ask for guidance nor to help me in the process of applying for a Dependant Visa in UK. IAS lawyers dedicated their time and put an effort in guiding me through every step of the, somewhat, complicated process, and they put an emphasis on special circumstances, considering the fact that I am coming from a "third world" country, which was complicated enough. After couple of months I was granted the Dependant Visa to join my partner who started working in UK six months before I applied, thus enabling us to be together again. I heartly recommend IAS to everyone that is lost in the process of applying for Visa, feeling helpless in the number of mixed and unclear regulations or needs someone to relly on during the process of applying for visa. IAS team, and lawyer Uche in my case, are not just an advice service agency - they are the beacon in the darkness of regulations and uncertainties. Thank you, for joining me with my life partner again...

Posted 6 months ago

Mursaleen

Saimah dealt my case in a fast and sufficient manner. She understood my concerns and didn't delay with documents that that were needed. She made the process easy and helped me beyond her duty. Due to her attentiveness my spouse was granted a visa and I can't thank Saimah enough. I would definitely recommend Saimah for spouse visa applications as she made the process very easy and efficient. Many thanks, again.

Posted 7 months ago

abiodun

I was so overwhelmed with the outcome of immigration issue, I have moved from one solicitor to another but when I consulted IAS and Saimah Razzaq advised me on my immigration issue and the proper next step to take I knew I was at the right place and everything came out successfully. Thank you so much. IAS 'Best immigration advisory to consult when you are confused'